"What is ‘barkitecture’? The pet-friendly design trend you’ve never heard of..." this is the heading of the latest piece on Domain Living that I was fortunate enough to be asked to contribute to.
When Danny and I went on our Honeymoon to Turkey all those years ago, I made it my mission to bring back not only a pile of rugs for the store, but also some beautiful textiles I could keep for myself... one of those being a dog bed for our Newfoundland Keelah because I couldn't find anything that I was happy with having in the lounge room (basically on display) all day every day...
If you're looking for some tips on how to incorporate living with pets in your home (stylishly!), read on!
"Tara Solberg, interior designer and founder of Few & Far, is passionate about the joys of pet ownership. She cheerfully admits to being “one of those people who decided they needed a dog during a pandemic when puppy prices went through the roof and waiting lists were torturously long.”
After welcoming Moby, a red mini-groodle, into the family in mid-2021, Solberg had a hard time finding dog beds and accessories that looked good, matched the style of her home and, importantly, were functional.
She says, “I’ve always adored one-of-a-kind and unique pieces and I didn’t necessarily want anything that was specifically dog-themed that would clash with our existing interior. So, I decided to improvise.
“I love using large floor cushions as dog beds, so I had some made in Turkey from old pala kilims. I’ve also got some woollen Moroccan pouffes that can be used in a similar way. It’s about thinking outside the box and being creative.
“Adding beautifully carved wooden hooks in the hallway also creates a statement piece where you can hang hats, coats and … you guessed it, dog leads! They become ‘part of the furniture’ and are always at hand when you’re ready to head out,” Solberg adds.
Ceramic bowls that match the kitchen decor, easy-care timber floorboards and hard-wearing vintage rugs that both look great and camouflage stains are also part of Solberg’s dog-friendly decor.
“However you choose to adapt your home for your new furry family member, it’s important that you have fun and get creative. Doubling your TV cabinet as a crate could work as a big space saver, and there are other innovative solutions like bowls built into kitchen counters hidden by a cabinet door or ‘dog rooms’ built in nooks under the stairs,” says Solberg.
“There are so many different styling opportunities you can introduce that still fit your decor when you get a pet.”
